You don’t have to live in an extreme climate to know that the elements can wreak havoc on your beloved fur kid’s skin or coat. Sun, swimming, snow, seasonal circumstances… All this and more can leave your dog or cat itchy and scratchy, matted, uncomfortable, or worse. But while nature can be unkind to skin and coat health, it also provides a fantastic natural solution. (Talk about Jekyll and Hyde!) Enter ashwagandha.
Issues like allergies, dry skin, hot spots, hair loss and dull coats are fairly common concerns for many a pet parent. It’s more than just an issue of comfort or cosmetics, though. Poor skin and coat health can be an outward indicator of more serious internal health issues. Fortunately, adaptogenic ashwagandha offers promising benefits for promoting healthy skin and a glossy coat in our companion animals – from the inside out.
Understanding Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an adaptogenic herb renowned for its ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Indeed, in the right format, such as the pure root extract version produced by KSM-66 Ashwagandha, it boasts a wide range of health benefits. But how, exactly, does this translate to supple skin and glossy coats for our beloved fur kids? In more ways than you think!
A completed study (currently under peer review) with KSM-66 Ashwagandha in both dogs and cats shows:
- A significant improvement in coat quality and shine.
- A significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- A significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity.
Let’s take a more in depth look at how KSM-66 works to improve skin and coat health.
The Benefits of Ashwagandha for Skin and Coat Health
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many skin conditions, including allergies and dermatitis. KSM-66 Ashwagandha has potent anti-inflammatory properties, essentially acting as a circuit breaker for inflammation. In the case of any associated skin issues, it works to calm down inflamed or red areas, and promote better overall skin condition by alleviating any itching, pain or discomfort.
- Allergy Relief: Ashwagandha also helps to reduce the severity of allergic reactions by modulating the immune response. Its anti-inflammatory properties further aid in soothing irritated skin caused by said allergies.
- Antioxidant Effects: Ashwagandha is also rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation. These antioxidants may help protect skin cells from damage, promoting healthier, more resilient skin.
- Immune System Support: A robust immune system is crucial for preventing diseases and managing all health. This includes skin conditions. Ashwagandha’s immunomodulatory effects help strengthen the immune response, making it easier for your furry favorite’s body to fend off infections and recover from any associated skin issues.
- Stress Reduction: It’s no secret that stress can negatively impact pretty much every area of life. In dogs and cats, it can lead to behavioral issues, poor digestive health, shedding or dullness of their crowning glories, and a multitude of uncomfortable skin conditions. By reducing stress and promoting calmness, KSM-66 Ashwagandha helps maintain shiny, healthy coats, and supple, itch-, blotch-, and hot-spot-free skin.
- Nutrient Absorption: Ashwagandha also supports digestive health, enhancing nutrient absorption. This ensures that your dog or cat is receiving the essential vitamins and minerals they need to maintain a strong, glossy coat.
- Mild Antimicrobial Benefits: Ashwagandha’s natural antimicrobial properties can help kill microorganisms such as bacteria or mold, or stop them from growing and causing disease. This can aid in maintaining a clean and healthy skin environment as your fur baby’s baseline.
It is clear that KSM-66 Ashwagandha’s natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties make it an excellent choice for addressing common skin issues like allergies and dry skin. The real benefit of adding this healing herb to your dog or cat’s diet, however, lies in its adaptogenic ability to help heal the underlying health issues causing their skin or coat woes. Add KSM-66 Ashwagandha to their diet today and take inner healing to new depths.
The post The Secret to Supple Skin and Silky Coats for Dogs and Cats appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
